The Greater Boston area has a good number of Mexican restaurants, including Americanized chains as well as upscale spots and more authentic independent restaurants, with the latter category including a restaurant in Melrose that is called Mexico Lindo. Located in the center of town, Mexico Lindo is similar to another favorite, El Sarape, which is on the other side of Boston in the Weymouth Landing section of Braintree. This is not a bad thing, as El Sarape was our pick for best hidden restaurant in the Boston area a number of years back.
The decor at Mexico Lindo is much like El Sarape, with lots of authentic Mexican artwork and colorful curtains as well as a series of arches dividing the restaurant into two sections. The restaurant also has a comfortable outdoor patio in the back that is a great option when the weather is nice. The menu is fairly extensive, with both authentic and more Americanized entrees. One of the best items on the menu is the arroz con pollo, which is an entree consisting of sliced chicken mixed with peppers, onions, mushrooms and cheese, and served on rice with everything smothered in a delicious red sauce. Other top dishes at Mexico Lindo include the gooey and rich-tasting chile con queso, the chicken mole (the mole sauce rivals that of El Sarape), the enchiladas suizas, the burrito with shaved beef and mild sauce, the carne asada burrito (which is stuffed to the gills with steak), the savory pollo a la crema (chicken and veggies in sour cream sauce, the pierna de puerco (lean pork loin with Mexican potatoes, hot peppers, and spices), and the chicken chimichanga. Drinks include beer and wine along with margaritas, sangria, and much more.
Mexico Lindo has not had much fanfare over the years, as Melrose is not on the radar of some of the restaurant guides out there. But Melrose Center does have some great restaurants, and Mexico Lindo is certainly one of the best restaurants in the city. In fact, Mexico Lindo time and time again has been considered for the "Best Of" awards on Boston's Hidden Restaurants, and while it hasn't come in first place yet, it does indeed give El Sarape and several others a run for their money.
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